Commission to Study the Potential Creation of A National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the need to weave the narrative of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities into the greater American story.

There is no doubt that Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the United States, and our community is becoming an increasingly powerful and visible force in all aspects of American life. From entertainment to medicine; from academia to entrepreneurship; from social justice to innovation--our community has made immeasurable contributions to every facet of our nation. But, too often, our community is excluded or forgotten in history.

That is why today, I am introducing the ``Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act''. With the rise of recent exclusionary rhetoric and policies, it is crucial to remember our collective past now more than ever. The past shapes who we are, and it also strengthens how we move forward.

From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the Japanese American internment camps; from the racially motivated murder of Vincent Chin to the first wave of Southeast Asian refugees on our shores--these historical events have affected the way we deal with policies today. Nevertheless, these stories are often left out of history books. A commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American history is the first step in elevating the AAPI profile and ensuring that Americans of all ethnicities and generations can learn about the impact our community has had in our nation's values, traditions, culture, and history.

Madam Speaker, I firmly believe the story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is sorely misunderstood and creating a national museum would ensure that our experiences--both good and bad--are recognized by all Americans. Museums are gateways for Americans and the world to see the United States' rich history, challenges it overcame, and potential for greatness. Establishing this commission is the first step toward the creation of a national AAPI museum. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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